Association between the Mediterranean diet and prostate cancer risk in a Greek population

ABSTRACT PurposeDietary modifications have been correlated with survival in several neoplasia, such as prostate cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the association between the Mediterranean diet and prostate cancer risk. MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with a high suspicion of suffering from prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent prostate biopsy was performed. According to histopathology, two groups were generated, the PCa group and the Healthy group. The dietary profile of our study population was implemented, based on a modified MDS (Mediterranean Diet Score) questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used for the interpretation of our data. ResultsIn total, 431 patients with prostate cancer and 279 healthy men were included in our study. The demographic characteristics of the patients were comparable. Daily consumption of white meat (OR: 0.59), dairy products (OR: 0.64), nuts (OR: 0.63) and whole grains (OR: 0.55) was higher in healthy males. Infrequent consumption of vegetables was linked with an increased rate of PCa (OR: 2.55). Interestingly daily consumption of processed meat rates was higher in healthy men. However, a significant correlation between specific intake products or frequency and the incidence of PCa was not established. ConclusionsAlthough, an association between the dietary patterns and PCa was not determined, components consumption patterns displayed a higher daily intake rate of white meat, dairy products, nuts and whole grains. Further prospective trials are required to validate the effect of Mediterranean diet in the incidence and mortality of PCa patients.